DEA, MEA & TEA (Ethanolamines)
Also known as: diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, triethanolamine, cocamide DEA, lauramide DEA, TEA-lauryl sulfate
A group of amino acid-based emulsifiers and pH adjusters. Ethanolamines can react with other ingredients to form nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens. DEA itself is also linked to organ toxicity and developmental harm.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing DEA, MEA & TEA (Ethanolamines).
Low acute risk from a single product use.
Daily exposure increases risk of nitrosamine formation and cumulative organ toxicity.
Significant concern. Multiple ethanolamine-containing products compound carcinogenic and organ toxicity risk.
Health Risks
Can react with nitrosating agents in formulations to form nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens.
International Journal of Toxicology, 2012 — nitrosamine formation in cosmetics
DEA is linked to liver tumors in animal studies and classified as possibly carcinogenic.
IARC Monographs — Diethanolamine evaluation
Chronic exposure may cause organ toxicity, particularly affecting the liver and kidneys.
Can cause skin irritation and sensitization, especially in products left on the skin.
Global Regulatory Status
How dea, mea & tea (ethanolamines) is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
90% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
CIR recommends DEA should not be used with nitrosating agents; no formal FDA ban.
Details
DEA banned under Annex II; MEA and TEA permitted but must not be used with nitrosating agents.
Details
DEA banned; MEA/TEA restricted re nitrosamine formation.
Details
DEA restricted on Hotlist; must not be used with nitrosating agents.
Details
DEA restricted; must not form nitrosamines.
Details
DEA restricted; secondary amine limits to prevent nitrosamines.
Details
DEA restricted; must not combine with nitrosating systems.
Details
DEA restricted to prevent nitrosamine formation per ANVISA.
Details
DEA banned; MEA/TEA restricted re nitrosamines, aligned with EU.
Why Brands Use DEA, MEA & TEA (Ethanolamines)
Act as emulsifiers, foaming agents, and pH adjusters. They create creamy textures and help blend oil and water phases in formulations.
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products in our database
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brands use it
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product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose dea, mea & tea (ethanolamines) because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like decyl glucoside, coco glucoside, sodium cocoyl glutamate deliver similar results without the health concerns.
DEA, MEA & TEA (Ethanolamines) in Product Categories
Click a category to see every product containing dea, mea & tea (ethanolamines) in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.
Products Containing DEA, MEA & TEA (Ethanolamines)
These popular products list dea, mea & tea (ethanolamines) in their ingredient labels. Tap any card to see the full ingredient breakdown and safety analysis.
The Worst Offender vs Numbrrrz
Here's how the lowest-scoring product containing dea, mea & tea (ethanolamines) compares to Numbrrrz.
Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment
Blistex
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
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Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz formulations are ethanolamine-free. Our simple oil-and-wax formula requires no synthetic emulsifiers or pH adjusters.
FAQ
What are nitrosamines and why are they dangerous?
How can I avoid ethanolamines in my products?
Is DEA banned in Europe?
Can DEA cause cancer?
What are other names for ethanolamines on labels?
Does Numbrrrz use DEA, MEA, or TEA?
See How These Brands Compare to Numbrrrz
Brands that use dea, mea & tea (ethanolamines) in their products — see how they stack up.
